Make the most of prep

This is the part of the day you can get some truly beautiful photos, however we can’t capture these if you don’t allow enough time for them. Jodie and Robyn did exactly this and we were able to capture the most stunning photos from both bridal’s prep spaces. Here are some tips of what you can make sure to do to get the most out of me during this special moments.

It’s less stressful if you’re hair and makeup ready when I arrive, 2 hours before the ceremony

I can’t tell you the amount of times people have said to me they cant believe how fast those last few hours go. So the best way to feel least stressful is to be hair and makeup ready when I arrive. Still in your PJs or robe, but as long as you’re ready, things can’t ever run over. So make sure you’re not last to get your hair and makeup done, just incase things are running over, you will still be able to get ready whilst someone else is in the makeup chair. It also means you’re looking your best for those candid moments with your girls, whether you’re sat together chatting, want some robe photos together or planning on doing gifts, you’ll be looking finished and ready. And don’t worry we’ll still get those makeup shots and you’ll still be looking your best just before the ceremony, as you’ll have your final touch ups just before, or just after you’ve got into your dress.

Make sure the area your getting ready in is clear and tidy

Whether you just section off a part of the room which will make a beautiful backdrop for photos, it makes such a difference on the day. Ask one of your wedding party to be in charge in keeping the area tidy. No one wants water bottles, career bags or knickers in the background of their photos. TIP: If you have the space, have one for actually getting ready in, and save one room for all the final photos. final touch ups, getting in your dress, reading letters and doing reveals.

Make sure there are big windows for that beautiful natural light

Never underestimate the benefits of natural light. It’s the most beautiful and flattering light and really gives the most amazing contrast between the shadows and the highlights. It will also impact the quality of images massively if there’s no good natural light coming in the room.

Make sure you allow time for first looks

These don’t always happen naturally and in the best lighting situations, or even when I’m there. To get the best reveal shots, whether it’s to bridesmaids or parents, factor the time into your morning, and find a beautiful location with great natural light. I’m more then happy to set this all up for you, that way we really will get the most perfect shots.

Getting the best makeup shots

So you’re not getting photos with striped foundation or contour lines when you’ve just started getting it done, we can take your makeup shots just before you get into your dress when all your hair and makeup is ready and you’ll just need a top up. This way we can find a beautiful backdrop/space to do it in with the most beautiful lighting, whilst in your cute robe and PJs.

Getting into your outfit.

Allow plenty of time to get into your outfit! Sometimes it’s not as straight forward as you think, the buttons can take a long time to fasten, you might even need a little sew in here and there. So getting ready in to you outfit early will allow plenty of time and not leave you getting stressed just before the ceremony. Use this time to create a beautiful moment with your mum or maid of honour, and let them help you to get into your outfit, whether its buttoning up your dress or fastening your shoes up. As a rule of thumb, we tend to suggest getting into your dress 1 hour our before the ceremony. This will then leave enough time for reveals, portraits and even group photos with you parents and/or bridal party.

Gifts & Letters

I love it when couples write letters to each other, and even when they write them when I’m there. But also remember these things time and you need to allow that time for it. I think it’s quite sweet to do it when your hair and makeup is ready but you haven’t got into your dress yet. TIP: I can also be the middle person, I can pass to each of the couple’s rooms in the morning, that way, I won’t miss the reaction.